A.J. McLean in Rehab
A.J. McLean from the Backstreet Boys has gone into rehab again ... TMZ has learned.
One source tells TMZ McLean has been "out of control" in the last few months because of substance abuse, and it was interfering with plans for the Backstreet Boys' upcoming tour with New Kids on the Block.
Sources say on a Backstreet Boys cruise last month ... A.J. appeared under the influence much of the time.
McLean has battled addiction for years. He was in rehab in both 2001 and 2002 for alcohol and cocaine abuse.
McLean made a cryptic reference on his Twitter account, writing on January 9, "I love u all and wish me luck! I start my sober journey tomm!"
On January 10, McLean tweeted, "See u on the other side!"
Video shot during a BSB cruise for fans last month shows McLean with what looks like a beer -- amber liquid with foam on top.
UPDATE: A.J. released a statement saying, "For personal reasons, I’ve checked myself into a rehab clinic. With 2011 being a busy year for Backstreet, I want to be healthy and perform & sing for people at my very best and happiest. None of this will affect our current tour plans and I look forward to seeing everyone really soon! Thank you for all of your support and respecting my family and friends privacy during this time."
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Backstreet Boy Photos -- Naked Chicks and 'Halo'
Backstreet Boy AJ Mclean got his hands on a bottle of Jack Daniels, a costume from the "Halo" video game, and a butt-naked lady -- and posed up for one of the most random photo shoots we've ever seen.
It was all for a session with photographer Tyler Shields -- the guy who shot those semi-naked Lindsay Lohan "Inferno" pics.
AJ has been battling his issues with alcohol for years -- and we're guessing this whole thing was some sort of artistic interpretation of his inner struggle.
Either way -- NAKED CHICK!
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NKOTB vs. BSB Who'd You Rather?
Boy bands of yore New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys are joining forces to pay their bills go on tour together.
Question is ...
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Pauly D -- Trying to Join The 'New Kids' Tour
DJ Pauly D thinks he's got the right stuff for the upcoming New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys tour -- and now TMZ has learned he's "in talks" to be one of the opening acts.
Sources tell TMZ .... the "Jersey Shore" star is close to a deal -- but he's not the only act that's being considered. We're told Boys II Men is also in the running.
Reps for the tour tell us, "[Pauly D] is one of many that has submitted himself to be on the tour. No opening act decisions are being made at this time."
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Backstreet Boy -- Pink Eye Is 'All Better'
A.J. McLean has a few theories about how he might have contracted pink eye -- and let's just say he hasn't ruled out Nick Carter as a suspect ...
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Backstreet Boys Pink Eye Won't Kill Our Tour
The Backstreet Boys ain't afraid of a little contagious infection -- in fact, according to the band's rep, A.J. McLean's crusty pink eye won't have any effect whatsoever on the remainder of the band's tour.
BSB's rep tells TMZ, A.J. -- who was recently diagnosed with the leaky eye infection -- is "doing fine" ... and the band's current tour will go on as scheduled.
As for the other guys -- we're told the rest of the band was inspected by a doctor as soon as they discovered A.J.'s pus problem ... and they all tested negative.
No word on who farted on A.J.'s pillow.
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Backstreet Boy Engaging Behavior at Nightclub
AJ McLean had a crazy night in Vegas -- dude proposed to his girlfriend in the middle of a nightclub ... minutes after running into a jewelry store and buying the ring.
It all went down inside the Hard Rock Hotel Friday night -- AJ and his then girlfriend Rochelle Karidis were partying inside the Wasted Space nightclub, when he sprinted to the jewelry store inside the casino, picked out a ring, and ran back into club.
When the clock struck midnight -- AJ's birthday -- he ran to the stage, grabbed the mic, dropped to his knee and popped the question ... and she said yes.
Backstreet Booze Band Requires Beer at Shows
Bad Idea: Contractually binding a concert venue to provide a band with booze, when half of said band's members have alcohol problems ... like the Backstreet Boys.
But alas, clear as day in the rider for the Backstreet Boys' current tour, is the demand for 24 bottles of beer and two bottles of "high quality Italian or French red wine." A votre sante!
What makes this particularly funny (or sad, depending on your point of view) is that we have gotten video of both AJ McLean and Nick Carter out drinking within the last month -- both of whom have claimed to be sober.
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Backstreet Boy Sorta Threatens AJ and Nick
Brian Littrell has seen two Backstreet Boys fall off the wagon recently -- AJ McLean and Nick Carter -- and the guy was serious when he told us they better "clean their act up" if they want to remain Backstreet Boys.
Thing is, Brian said he and the boys are hitting the studio tomorrow to start a new record... so he -- and his trusty new cast -- can knock some sense into 'em.
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'Sober' Backstreet Boy: Gimme Another Shot!
If Nick Carter really wanted the public to believe him when he told People magazine that alcohol could literally end his life, he probably shouldn't have been pounding booze onstage with Steel Panther at the Key Club the other night.
Granted it was his birthday, but for someone who's battled serious alcohol abuse, you can't claim a "sober" life when you're taking down a shot of 151.
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McLean's GF: AJ Said He's an 'Alcoholic'
The girl who's been dating AJ McLean for the past month paints an even more depressing picture of the boozy Backstreet Boy -- telling TMZ he's never been fully clean since she's known him.
The chick, Wendy Rice, is the one confronting him in the video posted earlier today -- she tells us during their argument McLean repeatedly told her "I'm an alcoholic."
McLean has a well-documented history of substance abuse.
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AJ Loses Sobriety Battle Again
AJ McLean is a recovering alcoholic -- so it was heartbreaking to see the Backstreet Boy stumbling out of the Key Club last night, appearing to be wasted out of his mind.
As McLean nearly falls into the street, one of his friends calls him out -- right out in the middle of Hollywood -- emotionally confronting the guy who went to rehab for alcohol and cocaine abuse in 2001... and again in 2002.
Witnesses inside the Key Club say they saw McLean taking shots and drinking beers during the show. After the confrontation, McLean's friends forced him into a cab and sent him home.
McLean was reportedly six years sober in 2008. Calls to McLean's rep have not yet been returned.
Backstreet Boys Still Got Jive
Rumors are circulating that the Backstreet Men Boys are about to get dumped by Jive Records. NOT true.
TMZ talked with a Jive Records spokesperson who told us, "Reports about Jive Records dropping Backstreet Boys are completely untrue. The group is about to embark on a worldwide tour in support of their album, Unbreakable, starting Feb. 16 in Toyko, as well as some high profile television appearances."
Well, that's sure a relief!
Birdbrained Backstreet Boy
The Backstreet Boys are coming out with a new album, but some fans refuse to let go of the good ol' music -- and this fine feathered friend is no exception! Awk!
The only thing that separates this little guy from the actual members of the band is that when he goes off tempo, he picks up right on cue. Ever want to kiss a cockatoo? Ladies and gentleman ... Snowball!
Everybody Ready to Rock Their Bodies ... Again?
Nick Carter was feeling generous last night, and previewed a new song just for TMZ. It's Backstreet, bitch!
The song, recorded without Kevin Richardson -- since he's no longer one of the Boys, is more up-tempo than the previously leaked song, "Inconsolable." But the 18-second preview Nick gave outside of Koi doesn't leave much to go on. Quit playing games with our hearts!
The new Backstreet Boys album is due October 30.
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Backstreet Boys' New Song is 'Inconsolable'
Just when you thought you were safe from seeing grown men in choreographed numbers and matching outfits, the Backstreet Boys have gotten back together and released a new song! Party like it's 1999!
TMZ has obtained a copy of the quartet's (now minus one Kevin Richardson) new piano driven ballad, "Inconsolable," which debuted today on NY's Z100 radio station. I want it that way! The Boys' new album drops October 30 -- just in time for Halloween. Trick or treat?!
First the Spice Girls announced their reunion, now BSB -- maybe there is hope for Britney! Then again, maybe not.
